SNP Win Dundee By-Election

Cllr Alan Ross is the SNP's newest elected representative following his decisive victory in the Lochee By-election yesterday. Cllr Ross was declared as the new Councillor for the Lochee ward following this morning's count. He succeeds MSP Nigel Don, and won the seat with 49% of first preferences.

Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said:

"This is a fantastic result for the SNP and shows the support of the people of Dundee for the SNP in Government and on Dundee City Council.

"People in Dundee have responded enthusiastically to the actions of the SNP Government, the removal of tolls on the Tay Bridge and the historic council tax freeze.

"The tactics employed by Labour and the Lib Dems, criticising the Government and attacking the historic deal with local authorities are getting them no where, in fact the SNP share of the vote has increased.

"Alan Ross will be an excellent addition to Dundee City Council working for the people of Lochee and helping to deliver a safer, smarter and wealthier Dundee.

Cllr Alan Ross said

"I'd like to thank all the voters and people in Lochee who have given me their trust and I look forward to getting to work in the Council to ensure the interests of the people of Lochee are properly represented.

"The SNP with 13 councillors have been the largest group on Dundee City Council since 2003 but have been kept out of power by a failing coalition of 10 Labour, 3 Tories and 2 Lib Dems."

The SNP won 48.9% of first preferences, an increase on the 47% won in the May 3rd election. Labour's first preference votes fell by 3%.

The result was: